Faculty

Carol E. Roote

Education: Ph.D., University of Rochester (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology); M.S., University of Rochester (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology); B.S., Grove City College (Biology)

Teaching and Research Interests: Developmental biology, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics. Currently, I am interested in the role of the cytoskeleton during development of the nematode worm, Caenorhabditis elegans. I am studying tubulin proteins (which make up microbubules) that are specifically expressed in the intestine of the worms. I look at worms that are mutant for particular tubulin genes to see what goes wrong in their absence to try to understand what these tubulins are doing normally in the intestines of the worms.

Padmini Das

Education: Ph.D., Montclair State University, environmental management; M.S., University of Texas, San Antonio, environmental science and engineering; M.S., University of Pune, India, environmental science; B.S., Modern College, University of Pune, microbiology

Research: My multidisciplinary research in environmental quality and remediation focuses on cleaning up nature using its own means. We develop natural techniques such as bioremediation (using microbes) and phytoremediation (using plants) to remediate soil and water pollution. Ongoing projects: Investigate the potential of eutrophication of Lake Ontario (evident in massive algal bloom in summer). Develop sustainable techniques to reduce the Great Lakes’ eutrophication potential, to clean up lead-contaminated backyards, and to clean up bisphenol A (BPA). I train undergraduates to think like independent researchers, using cutting-edge research skills and a deep understanding of research goals, hypotheses, and future applicability.

Sharon A. Luxmore

Research Assistance: Help students with the purchasing of chemicals, supplies, and equipment that they need for their research; finding equipment and space to work, as well as train in techniques or on equipment and act as a consultant for microbiology isolations, culturing, and testing.